Feb 23, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan address the media after the game against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Sullivan Mutually Part Ways After Legendary Run

Mike Sullivan and the Penguins end their era after a decade, two Cups, and a record-setting run, aiming for fresh starts on both sides.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan have officially parted ways, ending a remarkable era that brought two Stanley Cup titles and hundreds of wins. The decision, announced by Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, was described as mutual, allowing Sullivan to explore new opportunities while the team begins searching for a fresh voice behind the bench.

Sullivan’s departure closes a major chapter in the Penguins history. Hired in December 2015, he quickly led the team to back-to-back championships and became the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching wins. However, after three straight seasons without a playoff appearance and an aging core, both sides agreed it was time for a new direction.

“On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade. Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.” : said Kyle Dubas.

Thank you, Sully. pic.twitter.com/oLSswZ0Mar
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 28, 2025

Rather than a traditional firing, this was described as a mutual decision. Sullivan, who had two years left on his contract, is now free to explore other coaching opportunities while the Penguins look for a fresh voice to guide them through a new chapter. It’s still unclear whether Pittsburgh will continue to pay out the remainder of his deal.

Sullivan’s journey with the Penguins began in December 2015 when he was promoted from the team’s AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He immediately made an impact, guiding the Penguins to Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. His 409 wins with Pittsburgh make him the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching wins, and he’s one of just 14 coaches in NHL history to notch over 400 victories with a single team.

But the past few seasons have been rough. The Penguins missed the playoffs for a third straight year after a disappointing 34-36-12 season, their first losing record since Sidney Crosby’s rookie year in 2005-06. Despite flashes of the team’s former brilliance, Pittsburgh has not won a playoff series since 2018.

Sullivan, now 57, finishes his time in Pittsburgh with a career record of 409-255-89, an impressive .602 winning percentage over 753 games. Including his time coaching the Boston Bruins earlier in his career, he has 479 total NHL coaching wins, ranking 32nd all-time.

Although much of the Penguins’ depth has changed, core players like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang remain, signaling that a full rebuild isn’t on the immediate horizon. However, today’s news signals a bigger shift than expected, especially since Dubas had recently indicated Sullivan would return for the 2025-26 season.

As for what’s next, Sullivan is expected to be a hot commodity. Teams like the New York Rangers, who were interested in him even before he signed his last extension, could come calling again now that they have a coaching vacancy.

For Penguins fans, it’s the end of a historic run filled with glory and grit. And for Mike Sullivan, a new chapter is just beginning, one that plenty of NHL teams will be eager to be part of.

Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Mike Sullivan

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!